Stagefright

by Javier

As 2010 comes to a close, I am reflecting on the 20th anniversary of Stagefright. Over the past 20 years I have had the good fortune to meet many luminaries of the American theater, some of whom we lost over the past year.

I met the fabulous June Havoc many, many years ago. (I still had hair.) She died in March at age 97. Havoc appeared on the vaudeville stage from the time she was two, including Christmas engagements at Buffalo’s Lafayette Theatre that she often recalled with great affection. Billed as “Baby” June, then Dainty June, she was immortalized in the classic musical Gypsy.

Lynn Redgrave died in May at age 67. A true artist and a generous person, always brilliant on stage, I learned so much about acting through conversation with her.

Ilene Woods, the voice of Disney’s Cinderella, died in July at age 81. She signed an autograph for my nephew, who at the time was four years old and refused to watch any other DVD.

Kathryn Grayson starred in some of MGM’s biggest hits, including Kiss Me Kate and Show Boat. In 1962 she took over the role of Guenevere in the original Broadway production of Camelot. She died in February at age 88.

Golden Girl Rue McClanahan died in June at age 76. Best known for television, her stage appearances were numerous. Meeting her was a highlight.

Robert Culp began his career off-Broadway and ended up becoming a TV star. He died in March at age 79. He appeared in a 1990 episode of The Golden Girls, playing one of Blanche’s many men.

Jill Clayburgh, who died in November at age 66, was one of my favorite movie actresses and seeing her on stage was a true delight.

Tom Bosley, who died in October at age 83, had a Tony for his performance in the musical Fiorello back in 1959. He was last on Broadway playing Herr Schultz in 2003 in the revival of Cabaret.

James MacArthur died in October at age 72. Famous for his role in the original Hawaii Five-0, he was the son of the late first lady of the stage Helen Hayes, and playwright Charles MacArthur.